OCDS

Our Lady of Grace OCDS Carmelite Group

Based in Cuba, NY

Are you called to Carmel?

If you experience a call to a life of prayer, to a life that points beyond itself to the mystery and love of God, you may be called by the Holy Spirit to Carmel. Are you a Catholic thirsting for a more radical way of living your life more closely united to the presence of God? To others, this might seem strange, but to you, seeking the presence of God is as necessary as breathing.

Our Lady of Grace OCDS welcomes your inquiry into our group of Secular Discalced Carmelites–a canonically approved secular branch of the 800-year-old Carmelite Order which is open to men and women in good standing with the Catholic Church who are not affiliated with a religious order. Secular Carmelites come from all walks of life including professionals, laborers, parents, grandparents, single adults and even secular priests.

One of our members makes her Temporary Promise at our May 2016 meeting. She is receiving a big hug and smile from our Director of Formation in Our Lady of Grace Secular Carmelite Group

We invite you to check out the pages below to discover more about the Order of Secular Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) to see if this is something to which the Spirit is calling you.

Our group generally meets the second Saturday of the month 8:00 am until noon for Mass, Morning Prayer and formation/study at
Our Lady of the Angels Church
50 South Street
Cuba, NY 14727

Saturday, November 4, 2017 | Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean, NY. A unique opportunity to see the newest basilica in the United States (#83); Plenary Indulgence can be gained under the usual circumstances. Historic gothic-revival church in Diocese of Buffalo. Interior of Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean,…

Carmelite spirituality is Christian spirituality – accessible to all whom the Spirit calls to follow this way. As a Christian spirituality, Carmelite spirituality is a way of following Jesus Christ and walking the path of the gospel. Carmelite spirituality is characterized by an intense thirst for an immediate and direct experience of God. Reduced to…

The Carmelite Order developed in the 13th century from a single community of hermits on Mt. Carmel in Israel. Their life was centered on God, meditating on the word of the Lord and watching in prayer. They honored the prophet Elijah as their spiritual father. Their simple chapel was dedicated to Mary. From this lay…

Is the Carmelite Secular Order for Everyone? No. There are many gifts of the Holy Spirit. Secular Carmel is a particular call of the Spirit to place prayer at the heart of life. Prayer is at the heart of the Carmelite vocation. If you want to belong to Carmel, adding this dimension to your life takes…

In our small OCDS group, which is made up of nine men and women and includes a Catholic priest, you will be guided in the Formation program rich with prayer, study and personal spiritual reflection. Below are the formation steps as set forth by the Order of Discalced Carmelites: Aspirancy Those who are interested in…

Celebrating the Fifth Centenary of the birth of St. Teresa of Avila! With 600 in attendance, it was said that this was the largest gathering of Carmelites ever in the United States. October 15, 2015, the feast day of St. Teresa of Avila. Milwaukee, Wisconsin Return to HOME page

If you live in western New York State outside of Buffalo, you are invited to contact Our Lady of Grace Secular Discalced Carmelite group based in Cuba, New York in Allegany County. Simply click the Read More link below to access our email-based contact form. Return to HOME Page of OCDS Our Lady of Grace Community